Westminster Introduces the Emerald Scholars Program

To learn more about this program, visit the Emerald Scholars page, under Academics > High School > Signature Programs at www.wcsmiami.org. rg.

The inaugural class of Emerald Scholars includes:

Maia Alvarez ‘21, Ashley Arango ‘21, Isabella Artiles ‘22, Leila Barket ‘22, Carolina Borges ‘23, Thomas Brigham ‘22 (son of Tim Brigham ‘86), Ariel Brown-Ogha ‘23, Fernando Carneiro ‘23, Sebastian Cicconi ‘22, Sophia Cunningham ‘24, Madison Daire '22, Melanie Deville '22 (daughter of Derek ‘91 and Lesley Deville ‘91), Alessandra Diaz ‘24, Libby Dolan ‘21, (daughter of Dan Dolan ‘87), Kayla Dumas ‘21, Andrea Escobio ‘21, Daniel Fernandez ‘23, Mackenzie Floyd ‘24, Nicolette Foschini '24, Peter Frometa ‘22, Isabella Galbis ‘23, Annalise Garrido ‘23, Landon Glavach ‘21, Nicholas Godoy ‘22, Breno Goncalves '22, Megan Gutierrez ‘22, Andie Hernandez ‘23, Leila Hilliard '24, Amanda Jacomino ‘24, Austin Jones ‘22, Leo Leon ‘23, Manuela Londono ‘23, Connor Lopez ‘22, Dawson Medina ‘24, Anthony Mirabal '23, Diego Olivo '23, Anthony Pastrana ‘21, Natalia Pineda ‘23, Daniel Portuondo ‘21, Caleb Quentel ‘24, Adriana Romanelli ‘22, Florencia Romanelli ‘22, Gianna Romano ‘24, Angel Sajous ‘23, Teresa Somoza ‘21, George Sprinkle III ‘21 (son of George Sprinkle ‘88), Emily Sturge ‘21, Carina Swenson '22, Natalie Talarico ‘21, Aria Upton ‘21, Camila Valdes ‘23, Analuna Villalobos ‘23, Mia Wells ‘22, and Kevin Zhang ‘21.

Emerald Scholars Lead the Way

he newly launched Emerald Scholars program at Westminster is comprised of some of the high school’s most driven and brightest students. Launched in 2020-21, the first class of scholars includes 55 students, from freshmen to seniors, who enroll in the school’s most T ambitious courses and seek opportunities for enrichment through internships, independent research, service projects, and more.

Students may apply to become an Emerald Scholar as early as the end of eighth grade, and must meet a series of stringent academic standards in addition to a written essay and a letter of recommendation to be considered for admission.

“We were impressed with our first group of applicants to this challenging and rigorous program,” said Westminster High School Principal Alex Gonzalez. “The students selected have long been making their mark in their academic courses, and I’m pleased to be able to offer them this program to formalize their achievements and provide recognition for their arduous efforts.”

To graduate as an Emerald Scholar, students take a minimum of 12 AP courses, complete the AP Capstone Program or PLTW Engineering Program, as well as meet GPA, and service project and internship requirements. Graduates of the program receive a distinctive seal on their diploma, and a medallion to be recognized at Commencement.

The Emerald Scholars program underscores the goal of a Westminster education by preparing Christian leaders who are able to think critically, collaborate effectively, seek innovative solutions, and be examples of excellence in their communities.

The Scholars were each surprised at home with a special delivery that included their letter of acceptance and a custom cookie gift box.

"What a special way to inform the kids about the Emerald Scholar admittance," said Debbie Floyd, mother to Mackenzie '24. "Mackenzie is so excited! We are so thankful to be at WCS."

WCS alumni parent Suzy Turner (@turnertastytreats) prepared the individualized cookie gift sets for the students.

"Thank you Westminster for this amazing surprise in the mail today! What an awesome way to launch the new Emerald Scholars program while being quarantined!," added Claudia Pastrana, parent to Anthony '21, a Westminster Emerald Scholar.